Asian states must boost cooperation: Ayatollah Khamenei

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (R) and Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena meet in Tehran on May 13, 2018. (Photo by leader.ir)

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says Asian countries should enhance cooperation in a bid to boost their strength.

"Asian countries must further cooperate and work with each other, because such cooperation will make them strong," Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting with Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena in Tehran on Sunday.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (1st-L) attends a meeting between Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena (2nd-R) in Tehran on May 13, 2018. (Photo by leader.ir)

During the meeting, which was also attended by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the Leader pointed to cultural and historical relations between the two countries and said the current level of trade ties is "much lower" than the existing capacities.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that Iran's scientific, technical and research achievements would be an appropriate ground for the expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to improve friendship and cooperation with your government and country," the Leader said.

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the importance of implementing the memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries to boost relations.

In the presence of Rouhani and Sirisena, Iranian and Sri Lankan officials signed four memoranda of understanding and one document to develop cooperation in various fields.

The Sri Lankan president, for his part, said the two countries' officials agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two states.

He added that Iran is among the most advanced countries in technical, scientific and academic areas and expressed hope that his country would benefit from the Islamic Republic's achievements.